Shaun Baensch Sentenced for Manslaughter in Fatal E-Scooter Collision
Shaun Baensch has been sentenced to prison for manslaughter following a fatal incident where he drove into an e-scooter rider and subsequently attempted to conceal his involvement. The tragic event occurred on December 11, 2023.
Incident Details and Pursuit
Baensch pursued Bryce Trower, an e-scooter rider, after hearing rumors concerning Trower and Baensch's girlfriend. Despite his girlfriend advising him to continue driving during the pursuit, Baensch drove his vehicle directly into Trower.
The collision caused Trower to be thrown from his Segway Ninebot e-scooter. He struck Baensch's vehicle's windscreen before landing on the road. Trower tragically died at the scene on Forster Street in Norlane, Geelong.
Post-Collision Concealment Efforts
Following the fatal collision, Baensch took several deliberate steps to conceal his involvement. These actions included removing parts from his ute the day after the incident and arranging for a friend to store the vehicle. He also provided false statements to police, claiming Trower had simply fallen in front of his vehicle.
Justice Peter Kidd of the Supreme Court stated that Baensch's behavior after the offense was motivated by self-preservation and demonstrated disregard for Mr. Trower's welfare.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Baensch pleaded guilty to manslaughter and failure to stop regarding the fatal hit-and-run. He was arrested in May 2024.
During the investigation, Baensch claimed he intended only to knock Trower off the scooter, not to cause his death, stating he was affected by the rumors circulating.
He informed police, "I was just trying to nudge him, and I didn't go to plan."
Justice Kidd determined that Baensch's act of manslaughter was serious because the collision was not accidental; Baensch deliberately struck Trower with his motor vehicle.
Baensch received a maximum sentence of 10 years and six months in prison. He will be eligible for parole after serving seven years. He has already served one year and eight months of his sentence.